A preliminary study of hardness and modulus of elasticity in sheep mandibles submitted to distraction osteogenesis and low-level laser therapy

Objectives: To investigate the quality of newly formed bone in sheep mandibles submitted to distraction osteogenesis and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), based on hardness and modulus of elasticity values. The ideal moment for laser application (during the latency/activation period vs. during the bone consolidation period) was also evaluated. Computed tomography imaging was used to assess relapse as a result of early device removal. Study design: Extraoral distraction devices were placed in five sheep so as to achieve 1.5 cm of lengthened bone in 60 days. Distraction devices were removed 50, 40, and 33 days after surgery. Four animals were treated with LLLT, at different times, and one was u…